Brussels, 08/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - Working from a short paper prepared by the French Presidency setting out a number of external issues of European interest, EU foreign ministers, on Friday 5 September, discussed the future of transatlantic relations ahead of the impending change of administration in the US. “We wanted to give my American friends and, of course, ourselves in the EU, an indication of the steps that we feel have to be maintained or considered on another day,” Bernard Kouchner said after the meeting. Among the issues discussed, “which unite, and sometimes divide, we Europeans and the Americans”, were some dangers (Georgia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East and Iran) and also others (climate change, energy, human rights, the rule of law, etc.), he told press. This was a discussion to determine European priorities and one which, he said, the current US administration and both candidates for the US Presidency in the elections on 4 November wanted. The aim was to “work more with our American friends so as not just to be back-ups,” said Kouchner, announcing that a second “Gymnich” would be held in Paris before the US elections, to finalise a “very simple” document that would then be sent to the two candidates. Holding two informal foreign minsters' meetings per Presidency could become the norm in future, suggested Kouchner. (A.B./transl.rt)